Reservoir Dogs [DVD] [10th Anniversary Edition - Generic Cover]

Former video store clerk Quentin Tarantino's directorial debut, RESERVOIR DOGS, is a brutally funny, supercharged introduction to his supremely distinct cinematic vision, which was later to become one of the most mimicked styles of the 1990s. Mastermind Joe Cabot (Lawrence Tierney) assembles a crew of top-notch criminals to pull off a jewelry store heist. As the film opens it becomes immediately clear that the plan backfired, forcing the survivors, who have gathered at an abandoned warehouse, to figure out if one of them is, in fact, a police informer. The crew--Mr. White (Harvey Keitel), an aged veteran; Mr. Orange (Tim Roth), a wounded newcomer; Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen), a psychopathic parolee; Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi), a bickering weasel; and Nice Guy Eddie (Chris Penn), Joe's son--begin to unravel as the pressure becomes too much for them to handle. When Joe arrives, the truth becomes clear in a vicious Mexican standoff.

Tarantino takes liberally from Hong Kong action flicks, most notably Ringo Lam's CITY ON FIRE, but his ultra-hip 70s soundtrack and hysterical pop culture dialogue make the film seem wholly original and new. Taking a cue from the French New Wave--most notably Jean-Luc Godard--RESERVOIR DOGS remains one of the decade's most influential motion pictures.

"...An astute mix of wit and cynicism....This is a film of considerable acuity and power..."
Sight and Sound

"...Sometimes dazzling cinematic pyrotechnics and over-the-top dramatic energy....RESERVOIR DOGS features a cast of splendid actors, all of whom contribute equally to the final effect..."New York Times

"...An audacious high-wire act....[Tarantino] has a gift for writing great bursts of caustic, quirky dialogue..."
Los Angeles Times

"...Tarantino has a confident, kinetic way of shooting action....[Madsen] here emerges with the kind of really menacing screen presence only a few actors achieve..."
Chicago Sun-Times